CASHEL of the Kings was the venue on Sunday for a cross-country ride organised by the Tipperary Foxhounds. Apart from giving riders the opportunity to cross some of the best land Tipperary offers, it was a fundraiser for Frank Quirke who suffered a devasting and life-changing accident before Christmas while hunting with the Tipps from a meet at Ballydine. His friends – and there are none better than hunting friends – rallied round to stage this event for Frank and his family.

Best friends Richard Quirke and Niall O'Meara take on a big double together at the Tipperary Foxhounds cross-country fundraising ride in aid of Frank Quirke \ Catherine Power

The Quirkes are a real hunting family and it would not have been unusual to see Frank, his wife Judy and three or four juniors out hunting. Frank is still in hospital and hopes to be going to rehab in the not too distant future. The family were represented by Judy and three juniors, Richard, Joe and Evie. All funds go directly to the family and there is also a gofundme page in aid of Frank.

Riders assembled in the shadow of the Rock of Cashel for gate jumping which kicked off with a junior competition, followed by a senior section, with the Quirke family well represented in both. Joint-first in the juniors were Evie Quirke and Annette Connolly who both jumped an impressive 1.45m to share the title.

Judy Quirke aking part in the Tipperary Foxhounds cross-country ride fundraiser in aid of her injured husband Frank \ Catherine Power

Big turnout

The senior competition was won by Christine O’Donnell with a very creditable performance by young Evie, on her smashing grey pony, back in the frame to take second. Exciting as all this was it was but an aperitif for what was to follow. Well over 100 riders from 10 different hunts, led by event organiser Aidan Fogarty, set off to cross some of the best country to found anywhere.

John Breen, father of Shane and Trevor Breen, taking part in the fundraising rideorganised by the Tipperary Foxhounds \ Catherine Power

As always, there was a huge team who had rolled up their sleeves to make the event possible. Behind the scenes and in charge of finance were Roseanne De Vere Hunt, assisted by Jane Farrell and Anna Kennedy. Three junior members put in a lot of work in getting the course ready – Richard Quirke, Niall O’Meara and Tom Kennedy, assisted by Michael O’Keefe of Hoare Abbey. Also key to the success of the event were amateur whipper-in Seamus Kelly, Joe Breen, Conor Ryan and hunt chairman Sean Brett from Fethard. Jack Maher, on his quad, followed on and was able to ferry spectators and helpers to where they were needed.

Prizes were sponsored by Cashel SuperValu through the good offices of Raymond Morrissey with additional goodies provided by Merry Cream Liqueur and Whistler Whiskey, both with strong Tipperary hunt connections.

We were fortunate to meet Patsy Connolly, right-hand man in Camas Park, who brought us to the Camas brook – an absolute yawner which claimed more than a fair share of casualities. Camas has produced such winners as Dancing Rain and Soviet Star, not to mention the legendary Istabraq, but every horse who successfully negotiated their trench would have to be also classed as champions.

The team up-front were Aidan Fogarty, out on his grey Connemara, Gavin Shorten, John Breen (father of the hunt), and on his heels was Tipperary master Alan Murphy whose new horse played a blinder.

Judy Quirke, out on her good chesnut, gave a great display closely followed by family – Richard, Evie and young Joe on his coloured pony – showing that the apple falls near the tree.

Riders were treated to a pit-stop in Camas, provided by Shay and Jill Ryan who manage the stud farm. Hoare Abbey held what was probably the biggest challenge in a newly excavated trench in O’Keefe’s. This was pretty monumental but surprisingly, jumped better than it looked. Everything after that by comparison looked very jumpable as they made their way back to the famous Rock.

It was a most successful day and a credit to all who took part. Without the support of the landowners, none of it would have been possible.

Finally, and most importantly, every good wish to Frank, wishing him a speedy return home to Tipperary.

Tipperary Foxhounds' huntsman Gavin Shorten in full flight during the cross-country ride in aid of Frank Quirke from Cashel on Sunday \ Siobhan English Photography